Record cover

ABSTRACT

A phonograph record cover preferably is composed of a high strength plastic material and is made up of two panels each having a shallow recessed portion on its inner surface opening toward the other, and the panels are connected along a common edge by a living hinge. The recessed portion in each panel is provided with a plurality of radially extending ribs and a circular rib in one of the panels defines an annular shoulder against which the outer perimeter of a phonograph record is adapted to engage. The extent of projection or depth of the radial ribbing on the one panel which is disposed within or inward of the circular rib is less than that of the circular rib whereby a record can be placed against the radial ribbing so as to be substantially flush with the circular rib; and when the opposite panel is pivoted into overlying relationship with the one panel, a record in the cover will be snugly retained between the annular shoulder around the perimeter of the record and the radial ribs which engage opposite faces of the record.

United States Patent [191 Schumaker et al.

[ 1 July 23, 1974 1 1 RECORD COVER [73] Assignee: Crested Butte Records,Inc., Denver,

[22] Filed: Oct. 30, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 301,822

[52] US. Cl. 206/310, 220/31 S [51] Int. Cl. B65d 85/30 [58] Field ofSearch 206/46 FR, 62 P, 62 R,

206/D1G. 24, 1 R, 52 F, 52 R; 220/31 S, 4 E; 211/40, 41; 312/8, 9,10

3,661,248 5/1972 lsen et a1. .1 220/31 S X Primary ExaminerWilliam 1.Price Assistant Examiner-Steven E. Lipman [57] ABSTRACT A phonographrecord cover preferably is composed of a high strength plastic materialand is made up of two panels each having a shallow recessed portion onits inner surface opening toward the other, and the panels are connectedalong a common edge by a living hinge. The recessed portion in eachpanel is provided with a plurality of radially extending ribs and acircular rib in one of the panels defines an annular shoulder againstwhich the outer perimeter of a phonograph record is adapted to engage.The extent of projection or depth of the radial ribbing on the one panelwhich is disposed within or inward of the circular rib is less than thatof the circular rib whereby a record can be placed against the radialribbing so as to be substantially flush with the circular rib; and whenthe opposite panel is pivoted into overlying relationship with the onepanel, a record in the cover will be snugly retained between the annularshoulder around the perimeter of the record and the radial ribs whichengage opposite faces of the record.

7 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures The present invention relates generally toprotective enclosures for phonograph records, memory discs, or otherlike articles, and more particularly relates to a new and improvedplastic record cover having opposed ribbing adapted to positivelysupport and protect the article retained in the cover.

Traditionally, phonograph record covers or jackets have been comprisedof two square sheets of paperboard secured together along three sides oftheir common perimeter. Frequently, an inner sleeve of protectiveplastic or paper tightly surrounds the record and holds the record inposition within the outer paperboard jacket. The record is, therefore,not adequately protected against rough handling which is frequentlyencountered in shipping or mailing. It has thus been common practicewhen shipping or mailing phonograph records and the like to pack aplurality of the paperboard jackets in a more sturdy and protectiveouter container or box to prevent damage to the records.

Several plastic record covers have been devised to better protectphonograph records. Examples of such record covers are disclosed in US.Pat. No. 2,691,440 issued to A. G. Spugios et al., US. Pat. No.2,848,106 issued to F. H. Rice and US. Pat. No. 3,107,783 issued to T.N. Corey et al. The phonograph record covers disclosed in these patents,however, while protecting the enclosed records from external forces, donot provide adequate internal support.

SU M MA RYDFTHE I NV ENTI ON The record cover of the present inventionwas designed to provide a protective outer casing or covering for aphonograph record, reel or other like article while supporting thearticle from within whereby potential damage to the article due towarpage, rough handling,

dropping, etc. is minimized. The cover is composed of 1 two panels oftough rigid material, each panel having an inwardly directed recessedface with radially extending ribs between which the article ispositively retained. The inner radial portions of the ribs on one panelis shallower than the outer radial portions of the ribs on that paneldefining a confined seat for the article. Most desirably, a raisedperipheral rib surrounds the seat and conforms to the peripheral shapeof the article so that the article will be positively positioned withinthe one panel and positively retained between the ribs of both panelswhen the panels are moved into closed abutting relationship. The panelsare joined along a common peripheral edge by a hinge, and a latch isprovided along the opposite common peripheral edge to secure the panelsin the closed position. The corners of each panel are reinforced so thatthey will not collapse or bend when the panels are subjected tounusually rough handling as is frequently encountered in shipping ormail service. It will, therefore, be appreciated that the record coverof the present invention is not only well suited for temporary storageof phonograph record type articles in the home, studio, or the like, butis also suitable for mailing or shipping purposes without the need of ashipping box or other container.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a newand improved cover for phonograph records, reels, and other likearticles which has a protective outer covering and adequately supportsthe article from within.

It is another object of the present invention to pro vide a record covercomposed of a tough rigid material Y having hinged panels with recessedinner surfaces reinforced by ribbing between which a record or othersimilar article can be positively retained in a seating area formedtherein.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a cover forphonograph records and the like including hinged panels having radiallyand peripherally extending supporting ribs adapted to engage the recordon opposite sides in a manner such that the record is positivelyretained and protected within the cover.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Other objects, advantages andcapabilities of the present invention will become more apparent as thedescription proceeds taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the record cover of the presentinvention in a partially opened position;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the record cover of FIG. 1 in a fullyopened position;

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal section taken along ine 33 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged diagrammatic fragmentary vertical section showingthe central portion of the panels of the cover of FIG. 1 in facingrelationship;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary diagrammatic vertical section showingthe latch for the cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary diagrammatic vertical section showingthe hinged connection between the two panels of the cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged diagrammatic fragmentary perspective view of aportion of the ribbing in the base panel of the cover of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view of a portion of theribbing in the base panel of the cover of FIG. 1 showing a finger reliefto facilitate removal of a record from the cover.

For purposes of the present disclosure, the record cover 10 of thepresent invention will be described in connection with the conventionalflat circular phonograph record having a central opening for insertionof the spindle on a record player.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring first to FIG. I, apreferred form of the record cover 10 of the present invention is seento include a square base panel 12 and a square top panel 14 hinged alonga common peripheral edge. It is to be understood, however, that thecover could assume other configurations such as rectangular or circular.The panels l2 and 14 have substantially smooth outer faces 16 and 18,respectively, and recessed inner faces 20 and 22, respectively, whichcooperate to define a record retaining cavity therebetween when thepanels are in abutting relationship. The smooth outer faces are wellsuited for all decorating processes, such as, hot stamping, embossing,laminating or otherwise imprinting of names, titles, designs, etc.relating to the enclosed record and the outer side edges and squarecorners of the panels are rounded to establish a smooth, convenient tohandle, package.

The recessed face 20 of the base panel 12, as best seen in FIGS. 1, 2,and 3, is substantially square in shape including an inner flat surface23, straight side edges 23' and arcuate corners 24. An abutment surface26 bridges the space between the recessed region 28 and the peripheraledge 30 of the base panel with the space between arcuate corners and theouter square corners of the panel defining reinforcement zones 32. Theabutment surface 26 is adapted to abut a similar surface on the toppanel 14 when the cover is closed, as will be explained later. Thereinforcement zones 32 serve to reinforce the corners of the panel toprevent damage to the cover as well as a record retained therein.

A plurality of radial ribs 34 extend outwardly from a central hub 36 inthe base panel 12 at 45 intervals. The radial ribs extend to theperipheral edge of the recessed region 28. A circular rib 38, alsohaving the central hub 36 as a center, is provided in the recesse region28, the circular rib having an outer peripheral edge contacting thestraight sides 23' of the recessed region so that the sides 23 aretangent to the rib 38 at equally spaced 90 intervals. The depth orextent of projection of the circular rib 38 away from the inner surface23, as well as the height of the portions 40 of the radial ribs 34 whichexted beyond the outer perimeter of the circular rib, is equal to thedepth of the recessed region so that the upper surfaces thereof areflush with the abutment surface 26. The portions 42 of the radial ribswhich are located inwardly of the circular rib 38 are shallower or lowerthan the circular rib and define a seating area for a record. Thedifference in height between the inward portions 42 of the radial ribs34 and the circular rib 38 is substantially equal to the thickness of aconventional phonograph record for a reason to become more clear later.Preferably, the inner diameter of the circular rib 38 is substantiallythe same as the diameter of a conventional photograph record so that therecord will fit snugly against the inner surface of the circular ribwhile being supported by the relatively low inward portions 42 of theradial ribs. As can be appreciated from the foregoing, the upper surfaceof a phonograph record seated in the base panel will be flush with theabutment surface 26.

At one or more locations in the circular rib 38 only one being shown, anarcuate cut-out portion 44, FIGS. 2 and 8, is provided establishing afinger access opening beneath a record retained in the cover tofacilitate removal of the record. The relationship of the circular rib38 to the radial ribs 34 both inwardly and outwardly of the circular ribis shown best in FIG. 7 whereby it is clearly seen that the circular riband the portion 48 of the radial ribs outwardly thereof are of the sameheight while the portion 42 of the radial ribs inwardly of the circularrib are slightly lower.

Looking next at the top panel 14, shown best in FIGS. 2 and 3, it willbe seen that it is identical in size and configuration to the base panel12 and also has a recessed region 46 substantially square in shape witharcuate corners 48. An abutment surface 50 extends between the recessedregion 46 and the peripheral edge 52 of the top penal with reinforcementzones 54 being established between the arcuate corners 48 of therecessed region and the substantially square corners 56 of the panel.

Radial ribs 58 emanate outwardly from a central hub 60 in the recessedregion 46 of the top panel 14 and are displaced 45 from each other sothat they will be in alignment with the radial ribs 34 of the base panel12 when the two panels are placed in faced abutting relationship. Eachof the radial ribs 58 in the top panel as well as the central hub 60 hasits top surface flush with the abutment surface 50, asshown in FIG. 3,and a centrally located axially projecting pin 62, coaxial with thecentral hub 60, extends a short distance beyond the central hub. The pin62 is adapted to fit snugly into a mating hole 64 provided in thecentral hub 36 of the base panel 12 when the base and the top panels arein faced abutting relationship. The pin 62 will thereby protrude throughthe central opening of a phonograph record retained in the cover andthereby cooperates with the circular rib 38 to positively hold therecord in place within the cover.

it can, therefore, be appreciated that when a phonograph record ispositioned in the base panel 12 with its peripheral edge engaging thecircular rib 38, and the top panel 14 is moved into faced abuttingrelationship therewith to close the cover, the radial ribs 58 in the toppanel will engage the upper surface of the record and the inwardportions 42 of the radial ribs 34 in the base panel will engage thelower surface of the record so that the record is tightly held betweenthe two panels and is not permitted to move either axially or radiallyand is accordingly prevented from warping.

As best seen in FIGS. 2, 3, and 7, the base panel 12 is connected to thetop panel 14 by a living hinge 66 which consists of a thin continuousstrip 68 of the plastic material from which the panels are made that isintegral with each panel and is flexible to allow the panels to pivotthereabout.

' The base panel 12 has a raised elongated and continuous bead 70 normalto the abutment surface 26, FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, along the three unattachedsides of its perimeter which is substantially rectangular in crosssection, and the top panel 14 has a mating elongated and continuousgroove 72 normal to the abutment surface 50 along the three unattachedsides of its perimeter of the same cross-section. When the cover 10 isclosed so that the abutment surfaces 26 and 50 on the panels are inabutting relationship, the bead 70 will fit snugly into the groove 72 toprovide a seal around the cover.

To releasably lock the panels in the closed position, a releasable latch74 is integrally molded to common peripheral edges of the panels 12 and14. The releasable latch 74 has an enlarged finger tab 76 which iscentrally positioned along the peripheral edge of the top panel 14 andis hook-shaped to define an inturned lip 78 that has limited flexibilityto snap over and be retained beneath a projecting lip 80 protrudingoutwardly from the corresponding edge of the base panel 12. Accordingly,when the top panel is moved into abutting relationship with the basepanel, the inturned lip 78 will snap over and be retained by theprojecting lip 80.

It can, therefore, be seen that the record cover 10 of the presentinvention is adapted to provide adequate support for a phonograph recordor other like article through the use of the circular and radial ribs.The cover is preferably made of a light but tough and rigid plasticmaterial so that the record is protected from external forcesaccidentally or otherwise applied to the cover. The reinforced cornersof the cover prevent the corners from collapsing thereby possiblydamaging a record retained therein so it is readily apparent that thecover is very suitable for use as a mailing package as well as for usein temporary or permanent storage of records.

Although the present invention has been described with a certain degreeof particularity, it is understood that the presentdisclosure has beenmade by way of example and that changes in details of structure may bemade without departing from the spirit thereof.

What is claimed is:

l. A record cover comprising in combination first and second panels,hinge means pivotally connecting the panels along a common peripheraledge, said panels being movable about said hinge means between a closedposition wherein the panels are in face-to-face abutting relationshipand an open position, a broad, shallow recessed portion formed betweenthe inner facing surfaces of the panels when in the closed position, aplurality of radially extending ribs and a circular rib in the recessedportion disposed in mutually connecting and reinforcing relation to oneanother, said circular rib intersecting and being normal to said radialribs so that said ribs cooperate to form a seating area for a record tobe retained in the cover and panels can be moved into the closedposition to tightly hold a record in the seating area formed by theribs.

2. The record cover of claim 1 further including a raised pin on onepanel in the center of the recessed portion and a mating opening in thecenter of the other panel whereby when the panels are in the closedposi-. tion, the raised pin will be positioned to pass through a centralaperture in the record being retained in the cover and fit into themating opening.

3. The record cover of claim 2 further including an elongated raisedbead around the periphery of one of said panels and an elongated groovearound the periphery of the other of said panels, said raised beadsbeing adapted to fit tightly into said groove.

4. The record cover of claim 3 further including latch means forreleasably securing the panels along a common peripheral edge oppositesaid hinge means.

5. The record cover of claim 1 wherein said panels have four equal sidesand four substantially square corners, and wherein said recessed portionhas four equal sides parallel to the sides of the panels and fourarcuate corners, and reinforcement zones between the arcuate corners ofthe recessed area and the square corners of the panels, saidreinforcement zones being flush with the abutment surface of theassociated panel.

6. A record for phonograph records comprising in combination aquadrilateral base panel and a quadrilateral top panel, hinge meanspivotally corinecting the base panel to the top panel along a commonperipheral edge, each panel having a smooth outer face and a recessedinner face, a plurality of radially extending ribs and a circular rib inthe recessed face of said base panel, said circular rib intersecting andbeing normal to said radial ribs near the outer peripheral edges of saidbase panel, said radial ribs having inner portions radially inwardly ofthe circular rib and outer portions radi ally outwardly of the circularribs, said outer portions and said circular rib being of a first heightrelative to said recessed face and said inner portions being of a secondheight lower than said first height, said top panel having a pluralityof radial ribs in its recessed face, said radial ribs in said top panelbeing of said first height relative to the recessed face of said toppanel whereby when a phonograph record is seated on the inner portionsof the radial ribs in said base panel and said top panel is in facedabutting relationship with said base panel, the record will be engagedon each face by the radial ribs in the respective panels and will beengaged around its periphery by the circular rib to positively positionand support the record within the cover.

7. A record cover comprising in combination first and second panels,said panels having inner faces adapted to be placed in faceto-faceabutting relationship for retaining a record therebetween, a broad butshallow recess formed in the inner face of at least one of the panels,and a plurality of radially extending ribs and a circular rib in therecessed portion, said circular rib intersecting and being normal tosaid radial ribs so as to divide the radial ribs into inner and outerportions, said outer portions and said circular rib being of a firstheight relative to the bottom of said recessed portion and said innerportions being of a second height lower than said first height so thatsaid ribs cooperate to form a seating area corresponding with the sizeand shape of a record to be retained in the cover so that when thepanels are placed in face-to-face abutting relationship, a record may betightly held in the seating area formed by the ribs.

mg UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,825,112 Dated 23 July 1974 Inventr( Aaron C. Schumaker and Isaac K. Hay,Jr.

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent andthat said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Description'of the Preferred Embodiment:

Column 3, line 57, cancel "penal" and substitute -panel In the Claims:

Column 5, line 31', cancel "the" and substitute --said- Column 6, line 9cancel "ribs" and substitute rib-- Signed and sealed this 29th day ofOctober 1974.

(SEAL) Attest:

MCCOY GIBSON JR. C. MARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer Commissioner ofPatents

1. A record cover comprising in combination first and second panels,hinge means pivotally connecting the panels along a common peripheraledge, said panels being movable about said hinge means between a closedposition wherein the panels are in face-to-face abutting reLationshipand an open position, a broad, shallow recessed portion formed betweenthe inner facing surfaces of the panels when in the closed position, aplurality of radially extending ribs and a circular rib in the recessedportion disposed in mutually connecting and reinforcing relation to oneanother, said circular rib intersecting and being normal to said radialribs so that said ribs cooperate to form a seating area for a record tobe retained in the cover and panels can be moved into the closedposition to tightly hold a record in the seating area formed by theribs.
 2. The record cover of claim 1 further including a raised pin onone panel in the center of the recessed portion and a mating opening inthe center of the other panel whereby when the panels are in the closedposition, the raised pin will be positioned to pass through a centralaperture in the record being retained in the cover and fit into themating opening.
 3. The record cover of claim 2 further including anelongated raised bead around the periphery of one of said panels and anelongated groove around the periphery of the other of said panels, saidraised beads being adapted to fit tightly into said groove.
 4. Therecord cover of claim 3 further including latch means for releasablysecuring the panels along a common peripheral edge opposite said hingemeans.
 5. The record cover of claim 1 wherein said panels have fourequal sides and four substantially square corners, and wherein saidrecessed portion has four equal sides parallel to the sides of thepanels and four arcuate corners, and reinforcement zones between thearcuate corners of the recessed area and the square corners of thepanels, said reinforcement zones being flush with the abutment surfaceof the associated panel.
 6. A record for phonograph records comprisingin combination a quadrilateral base panel and a quadrilateral top panel,hinge means pivotally connecting the base panel to the top panel along acommon peripheral edge, each panel having a smooth outer face and arecessed inner face, a plurality of radially extending ribs and acircular rib in the recessed face of said base panel, said circular ribintersecting and being normal to said radial ribs near the outerperipheral edges of said base panel, said radial ribs having innerportions radially inwardly of the circular rib and outer portionsradially outwardly of the circular ribs, said outer portions and saidcircular rib being of a first height relative to said recessed face andsaid inner portions being of a second height lower than said firstheight, said top panel having a plurality of radial ribs in its recessedface, said radial ribs in said top panel being of said first heightrelative to the recessed face of said top panel whereby when aphonograph record is seated on the inner portions of the radial ribs insaid base panel and said top panel is in faced abutting relationshipwith said base panel, the record will be engaged on each face by theradial ribs in the respective panels and will be engaged around itsperiphery by the circular rib to positively position and support therecord within the cover.
 7. A record cover comprising in combinationfirst and second panels, said panels having inner faces adapted to beplaced in face-to-face abutting relationship for retaining a recordtherebetween, a broad but shallow recess formed in the inner face of atleast one of the panels, and a plurality of radially extending ribs anda circular rib in the recessed portion, said circular rib intersectingand being normal to said radial ribs so as to divide the radial ribsinto inner and outer portions, said outer portions and said circular ribbeing of a first height relative to the bottom of said recessed portionand said inner portions being of a second height lower than said firstheight so that said ribs cooperate to form a seating area correspondingwith the size and shape of a record to be retained in the cover so thatwhen the panels are placed in face-tO-face abutting relationship, arecord may be tightly held in the seating area formed by the ribs.